
Economist Podcasts
Economies of sail: migrant-smuggling entrepreneurs
Apr 8, 2025
Joining the discussion are Joel Budd, Britain’s social affairs editor at The Economist, who dives into the business strategies of migrant smugglers, and Ainsley Johnston, a data journalist, focusing on evolving American perceptions of traditional allies. They reveal the surprising entrepreneurial tactics behind migrant smuggling across the English Channel, likening it to small businesses. The conversation shifts to how climate change is fueling wildfires in East Asia and altering migration patterns, while also unraveling the complexities of shifting international alliances.
25:11
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Quick takeaways
- The organization of migrant smuggling in the English Channel operates as a complex business model with specialized roles, complicating law enforcement efforts.
- The increasing severity of wildfires in East Asia highlights the urgent need for effective climate change responses and innovative management technologies.
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